The Green Bay Packers have locked in edge rusher Lukas Van Ness for another season, picking up his fifth-year option and keeping the 2023 first-round pick under team control through 2027. The move, first reported by Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, guarantees Van Ness a fully guaranteed $14.5 million for the 2027 season—a decision that signals the team's belief in his potential despite a rocky start to his NFL career.

Van Ness, selected 13th overall in the 2023 draft, has faced a steep learning curve in the pros. Over his first two seasons, he managed just 7.0 sacks across 34 games, and a foot injury derailed his 2025 campaign, limiting him to only 1.5 sacks over nine games. But there were glimpses of promise—like his sack and forced fumble in the Packers' playoff loss to Chicago—that suggest a breakout could be on the horizon.

With veterans Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare departing this offseason, the 24-year-old Van Ness is now poised to step into a starting role at edge rusher in 2026. The Packers had until May 1 to make the call, and they're banking on his best football still being ahead of him. At under $15 million for the 2027 season, Van Ness could become a bargain if he finally delivers on his draft-day hype.

This decision contrasts with last year's handling of former first-round pick Quay Walker, whose option was declined before he left in free agency this March. For Van Ness, the Packers are showing patience—and a clear vote of confidence that his injury-plagued start is just a prelude to a productive prime.